Roofing Flashcards

What is the minimum recommended overlap for asphalt shingles at the rake edge?

Answer: 1/4 inch

Asphalt shingles should overhang the rake edge by 1/4 to 3/8 inch to allow proper water runoff.

Which roofing condition is most likely to cause ice dams to form?

Answer: Inadequate attic ventilation and insulation

Poor attic insulation and ventilation allow heat to escape, melting snow that refreezes at the cold eave overhang, forming ice dams.

A home inspector observes exposed nail heads on a metal roof panel seam. This is best described as:

Answer: Improper installation that can cause leaks

Exposed fasteners on metal roofing are a deficiency because the nail holes can allow water infiltration as sealant degrades.

What does a 4/12 roof pitch mean?

Answer: The roof rises 4 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run

Roof pitch is expressed as rise over run; 4/12 means 4 inches of vertical rise per 12 inches of horizontal run.

Which type of valley flashing method weaves shingles from both roof planes together without metal flashing?

Answer: Woven valley

A woven valley interlaces shingles from each roof plane alternately, eliminating the need for metal valley flashing.

When inspecting a flat roof, what condition indicates the membrane has lost its watertight integrity?

Answer: Blistering and delamination of the membrane surface

Blistering and delamination indicate trapped moisture or adhesion failure within the membrane layers, compromising its waterproofing ability.

What is the primary purpose of a cricket (saddle) installed behind a chimney?

Answer: To divert water around the chimney and prevent ponding

A cricket is a peaked structure built behind wide chimneys to shed water and debris to either side rather than allowing it to pond against the chimney.